The Ultimate 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Story

A review of Laura Jenkinson-Brown's stunning novel, "You Are Odysseus"

I was absolutely delighted the minute I first heard the concept You Are Odysseus and even more thrilled to know that it would be handled by someone as devoted and experienced in Classics as Laura Jenkinson-Brown (aka Greek Myth Comix). Anyone who has spent some time in the world of Classics would find her work instantly recognisable, especially for those of us who are fellow educators. So to learn that, on top of continually creating wonderful resources to deepen our understanding of ancient culture and literature, Laura would be writing a fresh, bold take on the Odyssey was a real joy.

The proof, they say, is in the pudding and I have to say this is one mighty elaborate, layered and delicious pudding. The work is rich, complex and inviting. Never have I felt so invested in Homer’s story as when I stroll through the pages of You Are Odysseus. To take a familiar story, with familiar plot points, and turn it all on its head - every moment, every decision is now up for grabs again - is an exciting prospect. On some readings, it’s enjoyable to try and stick to the course Homer laid out for us; on others, it’s fun to try to use your foreknowledge of dangers and get home as fast as possible; and again it’s equally entertaining to try and see what happens when things go really wrong. Each option is well within your grasp!

No matter what course you take, however, you will be treated to a rich world full of complex and interesting characters whose lives and motivations are fleshed out in full. Many of the figures who don’t get their time in the sun in the original epics now have their chance, and we learn so much more about even familiar faces when they encounter new tangents and storylines. It’s no mean feat to provide more insight than Homer affords many of his characters, and the women in the story are especially well represented - taking into account how patriarchal the world of the original stories was.

There is also so much to learn from any read-through, especially about the ideas and values of these fascinating people. Interspersed throughout the work are Greek terms and concepts to help define how they see the world, and to allow you the chance to shape who you want to be as a person. Integrating these into the choices you take means each new path you venture down brings with it deeper understanding of motivations and consequences. Truly the work of a talented educator and author!

Now I don’t want to give too much away, nor have I even managed to wade through all the possible outcomes, but I do find myself coming back to it time and again for another adventure. Sometimes I’ll simply open to a random section and follow on from there - which is perfectly in line with how the ancient epics could be experienced! However you come into it, it’s truly fascinating and fun, so I highly recommend you give it a look.

The book has its official launch this week - you can see a preview of it here - and I’m very excited to attend the party celebrating its release. Please let me know if you get a copy and enjoy reading it too; I can’t wait to hear about how much people get out of it. A huge thank you to Laura for the sneak peek and for all the incredible effort she has put into this labour of love. I’ll see you all back home safely in Ithaca (I hope!)